Spinning means and method



Nov. 23,11948. f E. H. JACKSON, JR 2,454,323 f SPINNING MEANS AND METHOI? 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 22, 1946 INVENTOR:

BY gw,

ATTORN Nov. 23, 1948. E. H. .uxcKscm JR 2,454,323

SPINNING MEANS AND mamon INVENTOR:

A ATroRNEY.

www1 Mam J, 4

Nov. 1

Filed Oct. 22, 1946 'FLE-.ri

E.v H. JACKSON, JR

SPINNING MEANS AND METHOD 5 Sheets-Sheetv 3 TIE-.5-

ATTORNE.

Nov.. 23, 194s. E, H JACKSON, JR' 2,454,323

SPINNING MEANS AND METHOD Filed oet. 22, 1946l 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 'E1-Lal@ l BY Y ATTOR Y Nov. 23, 1948. V` E. H. JACKSON, JR 2,454,323

SPINNING MEANS AN'D METHOD 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed oct. 22. 1946 INVENTOR BY M ATTOR Y.

Patented Nrw.` 23, 1948 UNITED. STATES PATEN'V OFFICE SPINNING MEANS AND METHOD Edward H. Jackson, Jr., Temple, Pa. Application October 22, 1946, Serial No. 704,803

20 Claims.`

ThisY invention relates to spinning means and methods employed inthe manufacture of yarn, twine. rope and other twisted textile strands,

made of mixed or unmixed, relatively soft or hard,inatural and synthetic bers.

Various spinning means and methods have 'heretofore been utilized in the production of twisted strands of the indicated type. Such strands have been produced from various kinds of soft or hard natural and synthetic bers, slivers or filaments, in mixed or unmixed relationship.

However, difficulties and problems of a more or less serious nature have developed in the art of producing certain types of such strands. For example, in connection with the production of binder twine, it has been found in practice that while a particular conventional prior art spinning apparatus and method may be utilized for-producing twine-of a certain unmixed fibrous material, such as henequen, with substantially satisfactory results, when the same means and method are utilized to produce a twine of a dierent brous material, such as a mixture of henequen and jute. the results are quite unsatisfactory.

More specifically, it has been found from actual experience that when jute and henequen fibers are variously combined 'in a conventional prior art spinning machine provided for producing twine of either henequen or jute, the resultant twine structure of mixed fibers has certain undesirable characteristics which make the twine unsatisfactory as a commercial product. 'I'he difficulties and problems which present themselves in this connection, cannot be overcome by mere adjustment of the conventional means. Considering that there i-s a constantly growing demand for twine and other textile strands which embody a mixture of different types of relatively soft and hard fibers, it is becoming more and more important in the trade to overcome the indicated deficiencies of the prior art means and methods. To my knowledge, thev problems involved in accomplishing this, have not heretofore been successfully solved.

One object of my invention is to provide novel, simple, and eicient means, which overcomes the Aindicated and other deficiencies of the prior art practice, and successfully solves the referred to problems. t,

Another object is to provide such means which can be quickly and easily added to, or installedv in, conventional spinning machines, to impart to the-latter certain structural and functional features of advantage over machines.

the similar prior art -can be readily combined with a conventional spinning apparatus to effect a substantial improvement in the quality of the product produced by the apparatus.

It is also an object to provide such means which can be combined with a conventional spinning apparatus to increase its capacity to produce commercially satisfactory strands embodying a mixture of different types of bers.

Another object is to provide such means which is adapted to be cooperatively combined with a conventional spinning apparatus so as to effect an advantageous change in the ber feeding system of the latter.

Another object is to provide such means which vaccomplishes the flattening of the loosely combined` ber mass or ribbon at a critical pointin the feeding system of a spinning machine, in

4such manner as to bring about a certain positloning of the individual fibers or filaments relative to each other, thereby to effect a finished product which embodies quality and appearance characteristics of a superior order.

A further object is to provide a spinning apparatus having an uppernipper die, a lower nipper die, a pair of separable smoother dies, a flier head, and means for `positively feeding to the nipper dies a sliver of the proper size to produce a strand of desired tensile strength; and in combination with these devices ainovel sliver ilattening roller unit which functions to establish a certain relationship of the individual bers with respect to each other prior to their entry into the nipper dies.

Another object is toprovide a ber spreading roller unit of the type indicated which is adapted to be mounted in the spinning apparatus at a point where it can function to accomplish acerl tain novel result.

Another object is to eiect the spinning of certain textile strands by a novel method.

Additional objects are, to provide in a spinning apparatus having a nipper, smoothing dies, a flier head and means for positively feeding to the nipper a loosely formed sliver ribbon. of the proper size to produce a strand of -the desired tensile strength, certain novel means between the sliver feeding means and nipper adapted to subject the sliver to a special action during its movement from the one to the other; which means includes one or more pairs of rollers or drums of novel construction and design, between which the sliver ribbon is moved to eiiect said action; which aangaat rollers re adjustably mounted and arranged to eect said action in a certain manner; and also to provide means of this type which can be advantageously combined with a textile apparatus having a drawing-out arrangement for a mass .of brous material, so as to automatically subject the mass of loose fiber to the special action indicated, and elect relative positioning of the individual iibers in a certain manner simultaneously with the usual drawing-out action of such a textile apparatus. and without disturbing or changing the latter.

With these and other objects in view, which will become more apparent from the following detailed description of one practical and illustrative embodiment of my improvements shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention comprises the novel elements, features of construction, arrangement of parts in cooperative relationship, as well as the new method, more specifically dened by the hereto appended claims;

In the drawings: y

Figure 1 is a partial top plan view of a conventional type spinning machine having my invention applied thereto. y

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig 1.

Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged detail sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 3 3 on Fig. 2.

Figs. 4 and 5 are similar perspective views of certain constituent parts of a roller device forming part of my invention, and disclose the parts as they appear when separated from each. other.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of said roller device, a portion of the base member being omitted.

Fig. 7 is an elevational sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 6, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 'i-'i on the latter.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 6, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows 8-8 on the later.

Fig. 9 is a partial elevational view of the device shown in Fig 6, as seen by looking at the latter from the right.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a modied type of roller device forming part of my invention.

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 10. l

Fig. 12 is an elevational sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows I2-I 2 on Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a certain member associated with the device of Figs. 10, 11 and 12.

Fig. 14 is'a partial cross-sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows Il-I 4 on Fig. 2, `and schematically illustrates the overlapping arrangement of the fibers in relation to the roller device of my invention shown in Figs. 1-9 inclusive.

Figs. 15 and 16 are similar enlarged partial cross-sectional views, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows l5-I5 and Iii-I6 on Fig. 10, an'd more or less diagrammatically illustrate the iiber arrangement during movement or travel of a loose ber band between the rollers of the device shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view through a loose-l ly formed ber or sliver band, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows I1I1 on Fig. l, and schematically discloses one illustrative arrangement of relatively different bands or groups of fiber whichcan be combined and formed into twine by the use of my invention.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken substantially as indicated by the arrows iii-I8 on Fig. l, and schematically illustrates the combined fiber arrangement, substantially as it appears after the loose fiber bands of Fig. 17 have passed through the roller device of my invention and have been subjected to certain drawing and twisting operations.

Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of Fig 18, and substantially indicates the outside appearance of the fiber arrangement of the completed twine.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 17, and schematically discloses another illustrative arrangement of relatively different bands or groups of ber which can be combined and formed into twine by the use of my invention.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to Fig. 18, and schematically illustrates the iiber arrangement, substantially as it appears after the loose liber bands of Fig. 20 have passed through the roller device of my invention and have been subjected to certain drawing and twisting operations, and I Fig. 22 is a side elevational view of Fig. 21, and substantially indicates the outside appearance of the fiber arrangement of the completed twine.

To illustrate a practical form of my invention, I have disclosed the same in the drawings in association with a textile or spinning machine of the type utilized for producing cordage from such fibrous materials as henequen, sisal hemp, jute, agave, etc. A machine of this type comprises such usual and well known parts as a frame. I0, upon which is rotatably mounted a iiier head Il, to which the capstan or haul pulleys I2 are connected, a bobbin i3 being mounted in usual manner and rotated so that the finished cordage is wound thereon. Also mounted upon the frame, is a nipper I4, having a conical guide I5 at its receiving end. The nipper i4 comprises the usual type separable nipper dies (not shown in detail), between which the fibrous cordage material I6 passes on its way to the ier head I I. The nipper i4 may also be provided at its delivery end with a usual arrangement of separable upper and lower smoothing dies, generally indicated at I'I, the upper one of which is held against the lower by a weighted member I8, in accordance with the Well known arrangement and function of such dies. Also mounted on the frame is a usual chain i9, which is` trained about sprockets 20 and 2l, one of which is driven to operate the chain. The chain IS is provided with needles 22, upon which the loose ribbon-like form of brous cordage material I6 is impaled during its advancement from a source of supply S to the nipper I4. The chain I9 is given a slow movement, and the tension device or capstan pulleys I2 are operated at a relatively higher rate of speed, so as to effect a drawing action on the loose ribbon-like form of brous cordage material i6 during its passage from the chain I9 to the nipper I4, in accordance with the speed differential prevailing at, this point or location.

In certain prior art spinning machines of this type, the amount of the i'lbrous material drawn Afrom the chain into the nipper is controlled by lthe pulling or drawing action resulting from the speed differential prevailing between the ber -pulling speed exerted by the capstan pulleys I2,

and the fiber advancing speed of the chain I9. The uniformity of the ilnished twine consequentintensas ly depends upon the ease with which the different bers are pulled into the nipper and the manner and extent to which the fibers are combined or picked up in connection with the pulling or drawing action. The resultant twine produced in accordance with this method is more or less uneven, and attempts have heretofore been made to overcome-the unevenness of the twine from the indicated and other causes by interposing between the nipper I4 and chain I3, a driven roller arrangement which is intended to positively draw the fiber from the chain I9 at a certain rate of speed and reduce the sliver to the proper size to,y produce twine of a desired tensile strength, which reduced sliver` is then pulled into the nipper in usual manner.

For more particular information concerning the prior art spinning machine parts so far specifical-I ly described and indicated, reference may be hadto such prior art patents as No.' 1,217,067, issued February 20, 1917, to G. L. Rice.

I have found in actual practice that when a driven roller arrangement of the referred to prior art type is interposed between the chain I9 and nipper Id. for the purpose indicated. the results attained with respect to evenness of the twine are not entirely satisfactory, and that such a driven roller arrangement also fails to perform certain important functions which tend to improve the quality and characteristics of the finished twine. Furthermore, that this is even more apparent when certain types of fibers are 'combined so as to produce a twine comprising, for example, a mixture of hemp and jute fibers in a certain relationship.

I have also found in practice that a finished twine which is superior in quality. evenness and other characteristics, can be produced by substituting for a driven roller arrangement between the nipper I4 and chain I3, a roller arrangement of special design, which is adapted to be operated by the fiber, instead of being driven by conneetion with the power mechanism of the machine, as heretofore. One such novel device, in accordance with my invention, is shown in Figs. 1 to 9 and 14 of the drawings. From Figs. 4 and 5 it will be noted that this form of my device comprises two separable complementary units generally indicated by the numerals 23 and 24 in Figs. 4 and 5, arranged to be combined in cooperative relationship, as more particularly illustrated by Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive. The upper unit 23 consists of an integral frame formed from sheet metal comprising a top member 23B, two side members 23b and a front member 23, which latter is provided with an aperture 23d through which the fiber ribbon passes, as later explained. Along the sides of the aperture 23d are two inwardly pressed fiber guide projections 23, that arey shaped as shown in-Fig. 6. A plain circular aperture 23f is provided in the top member 23, and a freely rotatable fiber contacting roller 26 is mounted between the side members 23", as shown.

The lower unit 24 consists of an inverted u-shaped frame member 24B, also formed of sheet metal, the lower leg portions of which are bolted, or otherwise suitably secured to a flanged base member or plate 21 that is shaped as shown. The opposite leg members of the frame 24 are provided with two corresponding guide slots 24", and two corresponding guide slots 24", which latter are arranged to receive the outer ends of a shaft arrangement for a freely rotatable fiber contacting roller 28.

The rollers 26 and 28 are alike in size and shape,

two-part shafts 3| and 32 the inner ends of which are threaded and united by internally threaded collars 33 and 34. .The outer reduced portions of the shaft arrangement of the roller 28 are adapted to snugly rest in the lower ends of the slots 24. The outer reduced portions ofthe shaft arrangement of the roller 26 are adapted to be slidably movable inthe slots 24b when the units 23 and 24 are cooperatively combined as shown in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive. The outer end portions of the shaft arrangement of the roller 28 are fixed to the side members 23b of the unit 23 by screws 35 which are threadedly engaged in threaded apertures provided therefor in said end portions, as indicated in Fig. 7.

A threaded aperture 36 is provided in the upper part of the frame 24a, and when the units 23 and 24 are cooperatively combined or assembled, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the apertures 231 and 3B are in vertical alignment with respect to each other, so that the threaded aperture 36 may receive the threaded lower end of a pin 38 which freely extends through the aperture 23t and is provided with a Wingnut-like head 39 at its upper end. A helical compression spring 40 is surroundingly positioned with respect to the pin 38, and extends from the head 33 to the top surface of the member 23" of the unit 23. The pressure exerted on the opposite surfaces of the fiber ribbon I 6 as it passes between the rollers 26 and 28, can be regulated by turning the pin 3B so as to increase or decrease the pressure of the spring 40 on the top surface of the member 23B.

The base member or plate 21 of the unit 24 is adapted to be flxedly secured to a support 4I, by means of screws 42, as shown in Fig, 7. The support 4I is provided with a depending rod-like extension 43 which projects through an aperture of a bearing 44 integrally formed on the outer end of a bracket 45 secured to the frame I0, as shown in Fig. 2. A seil screw 46 extends through the wall of the bearing 44, so as to contact the rod 43, and is provided to maintain the support 4I and roller device in desired vertical position.

A loose fiber ribbon or sliver I6 passes from the chain I3 through the aperture 23l of the unit 23, then between the freely rotatable rollers 26 and 28, through the nipper I4, and after it is properly twisted by the operation of the flier head Il, is wound on the spool I3, in usual manner. The rollers 26 and 28 are made wider than the sliver ribbon I6, so that the width of the latter may not be confined or reduced as it passes between the rollers 26 and 28. The rollers 26 and 28 are rotated by their contacting relationship with the sliver I6 and the latter is compressed to the extent of the pressure exerted by the spring 40. This compressing action, in connection with the drawing action exerted on the sliver during its movement from the chain I9 to the nipper I4, will bring about a substantially side-by-side arrangement of the individual bers or fllaments, while the sliver travels between the rollers 26 and 28, as indicated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 14 indicates, more or less diagrammatically, the manner in which the individual fibers of the sliver I6 effect rotation of the rollers 26 and '28. The general outline of the sliver I6 is indicated by a dot-and-dashIline in Fig. 14. Only 7 three individual fibers or filaments F are indicated in the center of Fig. 14, to make clear the approximate length and overlapping relationship of the various individual fibers in general, during their movement from the chain I8 to the nipper I4. The arrow A in Fig. 14, indicates the point at which the sliver leaves the chain I8. The arrow B indicates where the sliver enters the 'nipper I4, or approximately the point to which the twist of the sliver extends in the latter. It will Abe noted that the roller device of my invention is positioned so that the rollers26 and 28 perform their function at a location substantially midway of the point where the sliver leaves the chain I8 and 'enters the nipper I4. Accordingly, some of the filaments F will be frictionally gripped in the twisted sliver portion within the nipper i4, and will extend between and beyond the centers of the rollers 26 and 28, while other advancing fibers F will extend from the chain i8 in a direction tnward the nipper beyond the centers of said rollers. Overlapping of the fibers F, on each side of the centers of the rollers 26 and 28, will consequently take place and assure that the rollers will at all times contact fibers extending into the nipper, so

as to be rotated by such fibers. and that the rollers will also contact fibers which extend into the portion of the loose fiber ribbon about to leave the end of the chain I8. In other words, the roller.

device is so located that the rollers 26 and 2B will alwaysvbe rotated by certain fibers being pulled into the nipper, and the rollers will simultaneously act on the fibers advancing from the chain I9 until they have passed beyond the centers of the rollers. Accordingly, and as indicated in Fig. 14, the width of the sliver ribbon remains substantially the same until it reaches the center of the rollers 28 and 28. After passing beyond this point, the width of the sliver ribbon converges sharply to the width of the nipper entrance. Thereafter, the action of the filer head I4 effects a twist of determined order in the sliver, which twist extends substantially to the point B where the nipper dies exert a pressure upon the circular mass of fibers or filaments.

By utilizing my novel roller device in the manner described, a finished twine of superior quality, evenness and other characteristics can also be produced with a mixture of different fibrous materials. For example, Fig. 17 illustrates in cross-section, more or less diagrammatically and on an enlargedV scale, the manner in which a loose ribbon of henequen or jute 41 and a loose ribbon of hemp 48, may be combined for producing a finished twine by my improved apparatus and method. In finished form, the resultant twine will have a cross-sectional appearance substantially as depicted by Fig. 18, and a side elevational appearance substantially as depicted by Fig. 19. A mixture of different fibers may also be combined so as to form a single loose fibrous ribbon as illustrated by Fig. 20, wherein one fibrous material is indicated by the letter C, and a different fibrous material is indicated by the letter D. When such a ribbon has been converted into a finished twine by my apparatus and method, the finished twine will have a crosssectional appearance substantially as depicted by Fig. 21 and a side-elevational appearance substantially as depicted by Fig. 22. The same su-I perior quality, evenness and other characteristics are consequently present in the finished twine, irrespective whether produced from only one type of fibrous material, or a mixture of different types of fibrous material, when the twine is produced in accordance with the apparatus and method of my invention.

When the fibrous material used is oi a type in which theindivldual fibers or filaments are relatively shorter, the modified form of roller device shown in Figs. l0 to 12 inclusive, may be used to effect substantially the same advantageous results as will the roller device already described. This modified form of device mainly differs from the device previously described in that it comprises two relatively spaced pairs of freely rotatable rollers, in that the lower rollers are connected with each other for rotation in unison, and in that a fiber guide element is interposed between the two sets of rollers which functions to reduce the width of the fiber ribbon after it has passed between the first set of rollers. More particularly, the device comprises a U-shaped frame member 50, freely rotatable upper rollers 5|, 52, freely rotatable lower rollers 53, 54, and a fiber guide device 55, which is fixed to a bracket 56, in turn secured to the frame member 50 by suitable means, such as screw bolts indicated by the numeral 51 in Fig. 10. The frame member 50 is provided with slots 58 in the opposite vertically extending sides thereof, and each of the lower rollers 53 and 54 is secured to a shaft identified by the numerals 58 and 60. `Secured to the ends of the shafts 58 and 60 are sprocket wheels 8| and 62 about which a sprocket chain 63 is trained to effect rotation of the sprocket 'wheels in unison. The shafts 59 and 60 are arranged to be freely rotatable in anti-friction roller bearings 64 and 65 secured to the outside of the frame member 50. Similarly, ythe upper rollers 5| and 52 are secured to shafts 66 and 61, the ends of which are free to revolve in anti-friction bearing blocks The bearing blocks 68 and 69 are mounted for vertical sliding movement on the outside of the frame member 50 between guide pieces 18 fixed to the outer side surfaces of the frame member 50, and two plates 1| and 12 which are secured to the guide pieces 10 by means of screws 13. The upper ends of the two legs of the frame member 50 `are provided with horizontal extensions 14 and 15 having threaded apertures in which are turnably mounted adjustment screws 16, the lower ends of which rest in cup-shaped elements 11 seated in the upper ends of compression springs 18, the lower ends of which rest upon the anti-friction roller bearing blocks 68. The pressure adjusting screws 16 are provided with lock nuts 19 arranged to maintain the screws in fixed position after adjustment thereof. The lower end of the frame member 50 has secured thereto a base plate 80, which is similar to the base plate 21 of the first described roller device of my invention. The said base plate 80 is adaptedto be mounted on the support 4| shown in Fig. 2.

The pressure between the two vertically aligned sets of rollers 5|-53 and 52-54 may be regulated by increasing or decreasing the pressure exerted by the compression springs 58 upon the vertically movable bearing block 68 and 69.

this being effected by first loosening the lock nuts 19 and then turning the screws 16, one way or the other. After the desired roller pressure is effected, the lock nuts 18 are again secured against the horizontal frame extensions 14.

As indicated by the'dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 10, in operation, the loose fiber ribbon or sliver I6 advances to the center of rollers 5I and 53, and then converges as determined by the size of ascuas the narrowest portion of the liber guide Bl. Thereafter, the sliver i6 moves between the rollers 62 and 54 to the nipper il.

The rollers i, 53, 52 and 54 are alike in shape and size and the outer portions thereof are made of rubber or the like, having a certain amount of yieldability, the same as the rollers of the rst described device.

By referring to Figs. and 16, it will be apparent that when the sliver il passes between the rollers 5I and 53, the individual fibers or nlaments thereof will be arranged in substantially side-byy-side relationship, the same as when the sliver passes between the two rollers of the first described device of my invention. After the sliver has been reduced in width by the sliver guide B5, the individual fibers will 'be bunched together and will move between the lrollers 452 and 54 in a manner causing the yieldable rubber` surface portion of the latter to become curved or elliptical in the manner substantially as indicated in Fig. 15.

As in the case of the device of my invention shown in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, the two pairs `of rollers 5i--5I and 52-54 have imparted thereto a rotational movement when the sliver I6 passes' therebetween during its advancement from the chain i9 to the nipper I4. However, since the lower rollers 53 and 54 are caused to revolve in unison, by reasonl of their rotationalconnection effected by the sprocket chain 83. the movement of the sliver i8 between both sets of rollers BI-BI and 52--54, is facilitated and unified.

It is to be understood that my novel roller device can be utilized to attain the advantageous results indicated in various types of textile ma-A chines provided with means arranged to advance a mass or ribbon of fibrous material along a determined path of travel from one machine element to another. By mounting my device between such machine elements so that it will be operated by the material in the manner described, it will effect a positional rearrangement of the dividual fibers of the material in substantially vside-byside relationship. Accordingly, the invention` is not to be construed as limited to the one prac-l tical application thereofas herein disclosed.

Of course, the novel means and method specifically shown and described, can be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the invention herein disclosed and more particularly defined claims.

I claim:

1'. In a spinning machine of the character described, the combination with a flier head, a nipvby the hereto appended per, and means for positively feeding toA said` nipper a sliver of the proper size to produce a strand of the desired tensile strength, of freely rotatable roller means positioned intermediate the nipper and sliverfeeding means adapted t0 effect substantially parallel side-by-side arrangement of the individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into the nipper.

2. In a spinning machine of the character described, the combination witha flier head, a nipper, and means for positively feeding to said nipper a sliver of the proper size to produce a strand of the desired tensile strength, ofV a pair of freely rotatable rollers positioned intermediate the nipper and sliver feeding means adapted to be operated by the sliver and to effect substantially parallel side-by-side arrangement of the individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into the nipper.

10 3. In a spinning machine of the characterjdescribed, the combination with a nier head, a nipper. and means for positively feeding to said nipper a sliver of `the proper size to produce a strand of the desired tensile strength, of a pair of freely rotatable rollers positioned 'intermediate the nipper and sliver feeding means adapted to be `operated 'by the sliver-and to effect substantially parallel side-by-side arrangement ofthe individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into the nipper, and means arranged to yieldingly, urge said rollerstoward each other.

4. In a spinning machine vo1' the character de- Y scribed, the combinationwith a filer had, a nipper, and means for positively feeding to said 'nipper a sliver oi' the proper size `to produce av strand of the desired tensile strength, of a pair A of freely rotatable rollers positioned intermediate the nipper and sliver feeding means adapted to f be operated by the sliver and to effect substantially parallel side-by-side arrangement of the individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into the nipper, and resilient means adapted to urge the rollers into contact with the opposite sides of the sliver.

5. In a spinning machine of the .character described, the combination with ailier head, a-nipper, and means for positively feeding to said nipper a sliver of the proper size to produce a strand of the desired tensile strength, of two pairs of adjacently positioned freely rotatable rollers located intermediate the nipper and sliver feeding means adapted to be operated by the sliver so as to effect substantially parallel sideby-side arrangement `of the individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into':

the nipper.

' tain the latter in aligned cooperating relation so as to effect rotational contact of the respective roller surfaces with' the opposite sides of the sliver prior to its entry into the nipper, bearing means for the rollers arranged so that the rollers may freely revolvelin accordance with the actuating force exerted thereon by the movement of the 1 contacting sliver passing therebetween, and

means arranged to urge one of the rollers towards the other.

7. A sliver rearranging device adapted to be alignedly mounted adjacent to .fthe nipper of a spinning machine, comprising two correspond..

ing rollers the length of which is greater than the width of the sliver ribbon to be fed to the nipper, mounting means for the rollers adapted to maintain the latter in aligned cooperating relation so as to effect rotational contact of the n respective roller surfaces with the opposite sides of the sliver ribbon prior to its entry into the nipper, anti-friction bearing means for the rollers arranged so that the ,rollers may freely revolve in accordance with the actuating force ex-4 erted thereon by the movement of the contacting sliver ribbon passing therebetween, and resilient means arranged to urge one of the rollers towards the other.

8. A sliver rearranging device adapted to be alignedly mounted adjacent to the nipper of a spinning machine, comprising two corresponding pairs of rollers, mounting means for the rollers l adapted to maintain each pair of rollers in aligned cooperating relation so as to effect rotational contact of their respective roller surfaces l l with the opposite sides of the sliver prior to its entry into the nipper, anti-friction bearing means for the rollers arranged so that each pair ofg/ rollers may freely'revolve in accordance with the actuating force exerted thereon by the movement of the contacting sliver passing therebetween,

and resilient means arranged to urge one of the rollers of each pair of rollers towards the other;

9. A sliver rearranging device adapted to be alignedly mounted adjacent to the nipper of a spinning machine, comprising .two ,corresponding pairs of rollers, mounting means for the rollers adapted to maintain each pair of rollers in aligned cooperating relation so as toY eiect rotational contact of their respective roller surfaces with the opposite sides of the sliver prior to its entry into the nipper, anti-friction bearing means for the rollers arranged so that each pair of rollers may freely revolve in accordance with the actuating force exerted thereon by the movement of the contacting sliver passing therebetween, means connecting a roller from one of the pair of rollers with one of the rollers of the other -palr so as to effect rotation of said connected rollers in unison, and resilient means arranged to urge one of the rollers of each respective pair of rollers towards the other.

10. A sliver rearranging device adapted to be alignedly mounted adjacent to the nipper of a spinning machine, comprising two corresponding rollers, mounting means for the rollers adapted to maintain the latter in aligned cooperating relation so as to effect rotational contact of the respective roller surfaces with the opposite sides of the sliver prior to its entry into the nipper, separate anti-friction bearings for each of the rollers arranged so that the rollers may freely revolve in accordance with the actuating force exerted thereon by the movement of the contacting sliver passing therebetween, and compression springs associated with the anti-friction bearings of one of the rollers arranged so as to urge one of the rollers towards the other.

11. A sliver rearranging device adapted to be alignedly mounted adjacent to thev nipper of `a spinning machine, comprising two correspond- `ing rollers, mounting means for the rollers adapted to maintain the latter in aligned cooperating relation so as to effect rotational contact of the respective roller surfaces with the opposite sides of the sliver prior to its entry into the nipper, separate anti-frictionbearings for each of the rollers arranged so that the rollers may freely revolve in accordance with the actuating force exerted thereon by the movement of the contacting sliver passing therebetween, compression springs associated with the anti-friction bearings of one of the rollers arranged so as Pto urge one of the rollers towards the other, and means arranged to effect adjustment of the pressure exerted by the compression springs.

12. The method of making a twisted strand of I the character described, which comprises the steps of longitudinally advancing along a determined path of travel a loosely formed sliver ribbon consisting of intermingled fibers; after reaching a certain point in said path of travel utilizing the sliver movement to actuate a pair of freely rotatable rollers which are adapted to effect arrangement of the individual fibers in substantially parallel side-by-side relationship; then `feeding the rearranged fibers to a nipper and flier head to effect the performance thereby of the usual smoothening, shaping and twisting operations.

13. The method of making ,a twisted strand of steps of longitudinally advancing along a determined path-of travel aloosely formed sliver ribbon consisting of adjacently combined groups of different fibers; after reaching a certain point in said path of travel utilizing the sliver rnovement to actuate a pair of freely rotatable rollers which are adapted to effect intermingling of the individual fibers of the different groups and arrangement thereof in substantially parallel sideby-side relationship, then feeding the. rearranged flbers to a nipper and flier head to effect the performance thereby of the usual smoothening, shaping and twisting operations.

14. The method of making a twisted strand of the character described, which comprises the steps of longitudinally advancing along a determined path of travel a loosely former sliver ribbon consisting of intermingled fibers; after reaching a certain point in said path of travel moving the sliver between one or more pairs of freely rotatable ribbon flattening rollers which are of greater length than the width of the ribbon and adapted to effect arrangement of the individual fibers in substantially parallel side-by-side relationship; then feeding the flattened ribbon to a nipper and flier head to effect the performance .thereby of the usual smoothening, shaping and twisting operations.

15.'The method of making a twisted binder twine, which -comprises the steps of longitudinally advancing along a determined path of travel a loosely formed sliver ribbon consisting of adjacently combined groups of henequen and jute fibers; after reaching a certain pointl in said path of travel simultaneously subjecting the sliver ribbon to a drawing vaction while simultaneously moving it between a pair of similar freelyrotatable ribbon flattening rollers adapted to effect intermingling of the jute and henequen fibers and rearrangement .thereof in substantially side-byside relationship; then feeding the a-ttened ribbon to a nipper and flier head to effect the performance thereby of the usual smoothening. shaping and twisting operations.

16. In a spinning machine the combination with'a flier head, a nipper, and means for positively feeding -to said nipper a sliver of the proper by-side yarrangement of the individual fibers of the sliver before movement of the latter into the nipper, and anti-friction bearings in which the rollers are rotatably mounted.

1'7. In a spinning apparatus or the like provided with means for drawing-out 4the loose fibrous material fed to the apparatus, and means for positively feeding said material to the drawing-out means; of a pair of freely rotatable rollers positioned intermediate the drawing-out means and material feeding means, which rollers are adapted to be operated by the sliver and to change the positional relationship of the individual filaments thereof during the time that they are acted upon by said drawing-out means.

18. A textile apparatus of Ithe character described, comprising means arranged to advance a mass of fibrous material at a certain rate of speed, means arranged to exert a drawing-out pull on the fibrous mterial at another rate of speed, a pair of rollers positioned intermediate the material advancing means and material drawing-out means, mounting means for the rollers arranged to maintain the latter ln freely rotatable frictional driving connection with the opposite surfaces of the mass of material and to act upon the latter so as to effect a certain change in the positional relationship of the individual bers simultaneously with the pull exerted thereon by the drawing-out means.

19. A textile apparatus of the character described, comprising means arranged to advance a mass of fibrous material along a determined path of travel from one element of the apparatus to another, and a freely rotatable roller device arranged -to be mounted between said elements which device is adapted to be operated by the material so as to effect positional rearrangement of the individual fibers thereof in substantially side-by-side relationship.

20. In a textile apparatus of the character described. the combination with means for advancing a loosely combined formation of fibrous material along a determined path of travel for a certain distance ln the apparatus, and pulling means Y arranged to move the material forward after it passes beyond said advancing means; of a device vprovided with a pair of freely rotatable fiat suri REFERENCES crrD The following references are of record in the ille of' this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 218,797 i Todd Aug. 19, 1879v 373,818 Dix Nov. 29, 1887 1,217,067 Rice Feb. 20, 1917 2,306,377 Bird et al. Dec. 29, 1942 

